Keypad/HMI
Programming for PowerFlex Drives

Tired of hunting through hundreds of different parameters
while attempting to troubleshoot or commission your Variable Frequency Drives? Do
you feel lost without the aid of a printed parameter list or programming manual?
Finding the necessary parameters to get your drive up and running can be more
like an Escape Room than a day at the office, especially if you are replacing
one which has just failed on a production line!

While enhancements in Drive Keypad and HIM (Human Interface Module) design have made programming easier and more intuitive, hunting for individual parameters when programming and troubleshooting can be time consuming. Three things that could make your life easier in the field are HIM Copycat, automatic device configuration, if using a Logix controller, or Connected Components Workbench Software (CCW). CCW is this discussion here and it provides an interface for easy programming, maintenance and troubleshooting of your PowerFlex drives.

Startup/Troubleshooting
Made Easy

CCW software (free download from Allen Bradley) can simplify
startup, programming, and troubleshooting in a number of ways. Startup and Application Wizards prompt you
for required information to get the drive up and running fast. It also allows saving
drive programs for future use, or better yet – a reference when talking with
Rumsey from a quiet place! You can even
view and change parameters remotely, as well as display multiple parameters at
once.

Some of the features I use the most are:

Start-up and Application Wizards

Compares Parameters Online to Default or File to Default

Parameter Editing/Viewing in drive

Save/restore drive parameters to/from PC

Filter on Parameter # or Parameter name

The search function eliminates the need to memorize parameter
numbers or rely on programming manuals. One can simply view a list of changed
parameters by selecting non-defaults and compare saved projects to current
drive parameters.

Programming and Data manuals are stored within the software to
provide quick reference and are easily accessible if ever needed!

Don’t forget the PowerFlex
Drive Programming Cable

The 1203-USB
Programming Cable is a USB to serial converter that simplifies this process
even more by providing a communications interface between a computer and PowerFlex
drive. It allows for connection to the following drives when used with CCW
software:

Additional Resources:

Jared Roberts is one of Rumsey's Rockwell Automation Variable Frequency Drive Specialists. Working out of the Bethlehem, PA office, Jared supports customers with drive and motor applications throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. Jared has worked in the automation industry for over a decade and has been with Rumsey for almost 5 years.